Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to critically review the relationship between management research and practice particularly in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach - The paper takes the form of an historical survey of initiatives and different conceptual approaches.

Findings - The paper reveals a central focus On the role of management consultants in mediating between management practice and management knowledge,

Research limitations/implications - The paper is a partial and limited analysis of a complex process: more work is needed to untangle the various institutional roles and conceptual frameworks.

Practical implications - Re-framing the relationship between management research and practice to consider a greater emphasis on practice engaged scholarship and the two way process of knowledge translation.